Managing Product Information for Safer Buildings Under the Building Safety Act

The Building Safety Act 2022 has introduced transformative changes in how the construction and maintenance industries approach safety. While health and safety on construction sites has long been a focus, the Act extends this responsibility across the entire lifecycle of a building, ensuring the safety of occupants over time. A central aspect of this new framework is the management of product information, which is vital for ensuring compliance and safety standards are upheld.

Here’s how the Act impacts the industry and the steps stakeholders must take to manage product information effectively.

Accurate Documentation and Record-Keeping: A New Priority

A cornerstone of the Building Safety Act is its emphasis on precise documentation and thorough record-keeping. Reliable information about the materials and products used during construction and maintenance is critical for ensuring compliance and long-term safety. Manufacturers now play a pivotal role in this process, providing accurate and regularly updated product data.

To meet these requirements, many in the industry have turned to datapools—centralised platforms that store verified product information. These platforms simplify compliance by offering easily accessible, up-to-date data for contractors, sub-contractors, engineers, and building owners. For example, the use of a unique TSI code for each product ensures quick reference to critical information, streamlining integration into internal systems and project documentation. This approach reduces administrative burdens while ensuring compliance with the Act’s rigorous standards.

The "Golden Thread" of Information: A Continuous Record

The concept of the Golden Thread—a continuous digital record of a building’s design, construction, and maintenance—is a game-changer introduced by the Act. This ensures that every product used during the building process is documented and that the information remains accessible throughout the building's lifecycle. High-rise buildings, where safety is especially critical, benefit most from this approach.

The Act suggests that this documentation be retained for at least 15 years, a shift requiring significant changes in working practices. By leveraging datapools, contractors can integrate expert-curated data from manufacturers and wholesalers into their digital records, creating a robust, accessible evidence base.

Product Traceability: A Lifesaving Mandate

Product traceability is critical for ensuring that the materials specified in a building’s design match those installed on-site. In the past, substitutions were common due to availability or convenience, often introducing safety risks. The Building Safety Act now requires a traceable thread of information from specification through to installation and maintenance.
Traceability ensures that any replacements or repairs over the building’s lifespan align with the original specifications. For instance, in the event of a repair 10 or 20 years later, accurate records allow for like-for-like replacements, preserving the building’s integrity. Verified databases ensure all stakeholders can access accurate, up-to-date information, mitigating risks and enhancing safety.

Digital Twin Technology: Enhancing Accessibility

A digital twin—a detailed, as-built digital representation of a building—has become a standard deliverable upon project completion. These models store comprehensive data about the building’s systems, materials, and products, making it easier for building owners and maintenance teams to perform repairs or upgrades.

By integrating product information into digital twins, stakeholders can quickly retrieve specifications, installation guides, and safety certifications. This approach not only saves time but also ensures that any future work maintains the building’s original safety standards.

Responsibilities Across the Supply Chain

The Building Safety Act imposes new obligations across the supply chain, ensuring collaborative accountability:

Manufacturers must provide accurate product data in formats compatible with supply chain systems and prove compliance with safety regulations.

Wholesalers are tasked with supplying specified products without substitutions driven by stock or pricing considerations.

Contractors are responsible for assembling and maintaining comprehensive documentation throughout a building’s lifecycle.

Building owners must ensure ongoing access to this information for maintenance and compliance purposes.

This collective effort ensures safer buildings, where every participant plays a role in upholding the new standards.

Conclusion: Building Safer Futures

The Building Safety Act marks a turning point in the construction industry, introducing robust standards for managing product information. By focusing on accuracy, traceability, accessibility, and safety, the Act ensures that buildings are safer for occupants throughout their lifespan. Leveraging centralised databases, digital twins, and collaborative processes, the industry can rise to meet these challenges. Ultimately, the Act not only ensures compliance but also fosters confidence in the long-term safety and performance of our built environment.

To read the full, CPD accredited article in Professional Electrician & Installer, turn to page 41 here.

To find out more about how to prepare your data for the Building Safety Act, contact Trimble Luckins today.